Stories and Speeches

Audiences love good stories and speeches provide a great opportunity to tell one

Is It Suitable?

Whether you knew straight away which story to include, or you did some research, ask yourself 'is it suitable for your audience?'

My free Speaker's Handbook has an article on understanding your audience.

For free access and regular updates , just enter your details here Email Name Then Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you Speaker's Handbook Bonus! Instant Free Download of 300+ Power Words

If it is, then great, use it. If not, leave it out and try to find another. If you are unsure then air on the side of caution and find an alternative.

Is It Too Long?

A successful speaker will leave his audience wanting more. No matter how great your story is, a long one is likely to bore your audience to sleep.

Remember

• Your audience want to sit back and relax
• They have a short attention span
• Particularly if they have been drinking

So make sure your narrative is short and punchy.

Weave It Into The Main Speech

Audiences love listening to presentations that flow effortlessly from beginning to end. If you follow the basic speech outline , the best place for your story will be in the main part of your speech.

However, it may be perfect as an attention getting opening.

Wherever you use it, let your sentences flow into one another, using words such as:

• And
• Because
• Then

Or little phrases such as:

• So he went on to…
• Which was lucky because…
• Without which…

Review It?

Does it sound ok ? Or has it made your presentation too long?

If too long consider removing:

• The least interesting part
• Any information or detail that isn't needed
• Names can be shorted to he or she

Return from Stories and Speeches to Home